Chapter 3 - The Walk of Shame
Judge Harrison didn't hesitate. She granted the emergency asset freeze on the spot. The divorce proceedings were halted, pivoting immediately into a criminal fraud investigation.
When the bailiff officially dismissed us, my legs felt like jelly, but my spine was made of steel. Julian packed up his briefcase, offering me a rare, genuine smile. "You did flawlessly, Clara. The hard part is over."
"Thank you, Julian," I breathed, placing a hand on my belly. The baby kicked, strong and rhythmic, as if cheering from the inside.
I walked out of the courtroom and into the marble hallway. My mother, Sarah, was waiting on a wooden bench. When she saw my face, she stood up, tears springing to her eyes.
"It's done, Mom," I whispered. "We got him."
She wrapped her arms around me, holding me as tightly as she safely could. For the first time all morning, a few tears escaped my eyes, but they were tears of profound relief. The heavy, toxic anchor I had been dragging for months was finally cut loose.
Down the hall, the heavy courtroom doors banged open. Marcus and Chloe spilled out into the corridor, and they were already tearing each other apart.
"You lied to me!" Chloe shrieked, her voice echoing off the marble. "You told me you were a millionaire! My credit cards are going to bounce! I quit my job for you!"
"You gold-digging parasite!" Marcus yelled back, his face purple with rage. "You're the one who demanded the hotel suites and the cars! If you hadn't been so greedy, Clara wouldn't have noticed the missing money!"
I stood with my mother, watching the two people who had destroyed my heart absolutely cannibalize each other over money. It was the most pathetic display I had ever witnessed.
Marcus caught sight of me. He shook off Chloe’s grasp and stormed down the hall toward me. "Clara!"
Julian instantly stepped between us, putting a firm hand on Marcus's chest. "Take one more step toward my client, Mr. Hayes, and I will have the bailiffs arrest you for assault."
Marcus stopped, breathing heavily. The arrogance was completely stripped away, leaving only a desperate, terrified boy. "Clara, you can't do this. I'm the father of that baby. You need me."
I looked at him, feeling absolutely nothing. No anger. No love. Just cold pity.
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"This baby has one parent," I said clearly. "A mother who was strong enough to burn down a liar's empire to keep her child safe. Do not ever contact me again, Marcus. My lawyer will handle the rest."
I turned my back on him and walked toward the elevators, leaving him standing in the hallway, completely ruined.
